How to Judge Debates

A debate should be formal and structured.

A debate is a structured discussion or argument. Debates occur in government, and in many other contexts, including education. Debating is an art and a skill. It is very different from a free-for-all argument, because in a debate the structure is important and formalities must be observed. Learning to debate is a useful educational tool, because it forces the participants to garner their arguments and prepare tactics. In a debate there is a motion, which the participants must either argue for or against. Each side has a certain number of members and each member is allowed to speak for a specific amount of time.

Things You'll Need

• Ballot paper
• Extra paper
• Pens
• Stop watch

Instructions

1. Ensure that you are aware of the motion and research the background, so you are familiar with the issues under debate. Maintain an impartial attitude. Listen carefully to each member of the team. Make sure that the rules of the debate are understood and followed. You may be asked to award points to each of the participants. Do this according to principles of fairness and impartiality.

2. Judge the debate on the basis of the arguments put forward, rather than on any preconceived ideas of your own. A good debater should be able to present a convincing argument for a point of view she might not even support. A judge should likewise be able to set his own views aside, and judge on the merits of the arguments presented, not on the viewpoint which is more congenial to him. This requires objectivity.

3. Observe the participants and make your decisions based on preparation, clarity of expression, confidence and the strength of the argument. The winner should be well-prepared and convincing. A good debater should not use empty phrases or jargon, and should not be repetitive. His views should not just be a re-hash of well-worn phrases. His understanding of the topic (not just his own side of it) should be apparent.

4. Take a ballot paper, extra paper, pens and a stop watch to the debate. Be clear about the scoring method; for instance, there might be a maximum award of 30 points for each speaker. Keep a score as the debate progresses; do not rely on your memory. However, do not write on the ballot paper while the participants are speaking. Be prepared to give feedback, and to explain why you awarded the numbers you did.

References

• Debate Definition
• Judging Debates